FUN-loving families were spoilt for choice this weekend as two calendar events made their return to a Durham Dale.

Bumper crowds visited Cotherstone, near Barnard Castle for the 34th carnival on the same day a fun day was held on Gainford village green.

Cotherstone Primary School pupil Lydia Swinburn, 11, who was selected as queen of this year’s carnival, lead the annual procession from the Fox and Hounds Country Inn with fellow pupils, Libby Forsyth, seven, and Josie Green, five as her attendants.

Some of the youngsters who joined in with the parade were dressed up as princesses, cupcakes, Lego blocks and dinosaurs.

At Gainford visitors enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment from a local singing group whilst little ones tried their hands at traditional games like hook a duck.

Gainford Primary School pupils also practised their sponge-throwing skills as headteacher Mr Blindt agreed to be locked into the stocks.